Nesting in Limbo

Nest Furnishings may look like it's going out of business, but it might take a while. The store is located at 680 E. Colorado Blvd. on the southeast corner of Colorado and El Molino, where plans for the new IDS Playhouse Plaza building project have stalled.

The proposed building apparently exceeds city size requirements. The City Council initially waived those requirements but a group of residents, including former City Council member Sid Tyler, filed a lawsuit that has put the project on hold. The Council created a committee to review ways to bring the project down to size and I'm sure we'll hear more about it soon.

In the meantime, there's a wide variety of stock roosting at Nest. The prices are decent. I have no idea how long it'll all be there and I bet the store owners don't, either.

Window Tweetment

I have Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and a blog and it's already enough/plenty/on the verge of too much. Some people digg and delicious and Classmates and Flickr and Friendster and the list goes on and on. (I tried Library Thing briefly but that was too obsessive even for me.)

Do you tweet? "Tweeter" was my nickname when I was a kid, but as an adult I'm having a hard time coming up with things to tweet about. Location tweets are out--too dangerous. An occasional retweet is okay, but too many of those and you start looking lazy. And I don't want to be boring: I swear, some people will tweet about whether to have the chocolate muffin or the peach tart with their coffee. Do you care whether I'm cleaning the bathtub or stuck on a sentence? You do not.

I could surf the web for interesting websites or newsy bits to tweet about, but I'm not desperate to tweet. I understand the importance of platform, but mainly what I'm doing over here is trying to write.

Part of my problem is I have two Twitter accounts, one for PasadenaDP and one for me. I must shut one down. I think I'd rather be me.

What do you tweet about?

Boz and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day*

First, June gloom. In JULY.

Why get up? I did. I forget why.

Finally the sun comes out and what happens? BATH. They give me a BATH. It is TORTURE. Lather, rinse, REPEAT. Why repeat? WHY?

I endure because I know I will get the traditional pig ear for my reward. I take it to the back yard to have it and what happens? They leave. The people leave. I must guard the house alone for five minutes. Or five hours, I'm not sure which. It is AWFUL. I am bored. But I am vigilant.

When they come home oh joy! We go outside and another dog comes more joy! BIG DOG. I show him my move. My play move. He does not understand. He charges with teeth, growl, ar ar ar ar ar I don't remember but fast scared kill and the people--the male pulls big dog away and the female holds me. It takes five seconds. Or five hours, I'm not sure which. It is HORRIBLE. Scared.

My dinner is late. I don't get a walk.

I get a new bone. I don't remember why. Belly rub. TIRED.


*with apologies to Judith Viorst

Stylish Nerds

A while back I promised you a photo of me and John in our new glasses. We finally had our picture taken by our fabulous neighbor, Linda Centell (thank you, Linda!) and voila! New glasses.

It's a good day to post this photo because today is special: it's the birthday of my husband, my best friend, my helper, my comedian, my teacher, my light, my safety net, my power switch, my sounding board, my partner, my question, my answer, my absolute love. And now that we're past the mushy stuff, he's also my favorite silly person. No one has ever made me laugh as much or as hard.

I keep coming up with special things for us to do today, but I don't think he wants to do special things. He wants to relax, get some work done and enjoy his home. And really, when a couple of nerds are happy together, that's special enough.

Maybe it would be best to celebrate by doing something silly. Your silly suggestions are welcome.

Happy birthday, sweeney.

Zen Monday: #105

You won't be surprised to know it's Zen Monday.

Today's the day you experience the photo and give us your thoughts rather than me telling you what I think the photo's about. There's no competition, no right or wrong. We're here to have fun.

I look for a photo worth contemplating or, failing that, something odd or silly. And unless I absolutely must say something I stay out of the comments box to avoid influencing the discussion. Ohm.

Abundancia

photo inspired by John Sandel

There's always something to photograph at the Saturday Farmers' Market at Victory Park. Yesterday everyone was exclaiming over the purple peppers (near the top of the photo) at the Jaime Farms booth.

We shopped all around the market: peppers, zucchini, eggplant, broccoli, arugula, freshly baked bread, peaches, granola and fresh swordfish. You can also buy oils, plants, beef jerky, cheese, olives, and a lot of other things I'm forgetting. The only way to get fresher produce is to grow it yourself (or to have a generous neighbor who gardens).

We ate our peaches for lunch and had the fish and broccoli last night. We're going to make a ratatouille this week; I was inspired by the Altadena Hiker. I probably won't take pictures of mine. I'm not the Julia Child disciple she is.

There's a new Farmers' Market in town called the South Lake Avenue Summer Farmers' Market. It happens every Wednesday from 3:30-7:30 pm until September 29th in Shopper's Lane at Del Mar Blvd. And don't forget the Tuesday market at Villa Parke and the Thursday market at Robinson Park (also 'til September; check out the Pasadena Farmers' Markets here).

Pasadena has so many Farmers' Markets we could buy fresh produce almost every day if we needed to. But we don't. I didn't have to buy tomatoes for the ratatouille yesterday because we have a generous neighbor who gardens.

Just Call Me Sherlock

It's not like I go to Target every day. But one has occasion to stop in at least once in a while. I visit the store at 777 E. Colorado Blvd. (there's another at 3121 East Colorado). You'd think somewhere in five years of shopping one would notice hundreds of little hand prints on the sidewalk outside, and if not, one might at least be struck by the giant footprints beneath the signature "Abdul Jabbar" and the number 33.

Not I. Until yesterday I managed to walk past these prints without seeing them. But yesterday I keenly observed them, took their picture and came home to search the web for clues to their origins. Not a trace. For now, I can only make an educated guess as to what they're about.

A plaque was dedicated there on March 13, 1994 for Target's grand opening. The plaque says "Lend us a hand." Well, it actually says "Lend us a" and there's a picture of a hand. Then there are hand prints all over the place, then Abdul-Jabbar's hand prints, then his foot prints, presumably for good measure, and all this is presumably for charity. And from this I deduce we're talking the Lakers' Kareem, because what other Abdul-Jabbar would one have hired for the dedication of one's store in 1994?

Heh. See? All you have to be is observant.

Stairway to A Secret

If you're willing to get off the main path, Lower Arroyo Park will give up its secrets. Stone walls, steep trails, hidden stairways and more lie waiting in the underbrush along the walls of the Arroyo.

I've sometimes wondered if these human-made bits might be traces of Busch Gardens. The walls, maybe. Some are old, elegant and overgrown enough. But I suppose this simple stairway is too pedestrian to belong to so grand a memory.

Still, what's it doing there? Why stairs on a woodland path? Where did they once lead?

Don't answer. I prefer the mystery.

************************************************************************

Today I welcome a new advertiser, Donna Chaney of Chaney Financial Services. See the purple and blue ad over there on the left? Click on it to set up a free consultation with Donna to start planning the life you want--not just when you get old, but right now. I know Donna personally. She's tops.

Planet Flora

My move in the late 1980's from Illinois to southern California was a culture shock so complete I didn't even recognize the vegetation. Gone were the tame, Midwestern maples, elms and simple posies, to be replaced by palm trees and flora I recognized from Dr. Seuss.

To keep my attitude positive, I decided to think about my move not as a life-changing apocalypse but as a vacation on another planet. I've been enjoying my vacation amid exotic flora ever since.

But this flower looks familiar. I remember it from Illinois, New Jersey, Texas and even Minnesota. This or its variations must be a very American plant. Not to mention the white picket fence.

I don't know plant names. I didn't know this one back in Illinois, either. I know someone will tell me it's name in the comments and I'll say thanks in advance. No matter where I see it, though, it looks right at home.

Trade-Off

Work on the Braley Building has finally been completed after four years, during which many Pasadenish lamented the sale of this historic structure to the Church of Scientology and wondered if renovation would ever even begin. Upon purchasing the building, the Church immediately evicted long-standing businesses only to leave the building empty and waiting. Not exactly starting off on the right foot, but outsiders to this institution generally approach with mistrust, so I suspect the wrong foot was the only one to start off with.

Renovations finally began in earnest early this year. I took this shot in mid-May, grabbing a peek while the doors were open to Mercantile Place. It shows the first floor atrium in mid-construction. There, one could once find entry to the Pasadena Antique Mall, and a great little Italian restaurant where J. and I began falling in love, and a sandwich shop run by an immigrant couple who named the shop after their daughter. Apparently the the old wall clocks will be allowed to stay.

Walt Mancini's photo in the Pasadena Star-News shows a chapel. Knowing the Braley Building, I can only assume that's in the basement where the Knightsbridge Theatre once was. There I performed the Shakespearean roles of Tamara in Titus Andronicus and Cleopatra in Antony and Cleopatra. Fun times.

The theater company moved on to a better space before the Braley was sold. Say what you will about Scientology, but my bet is the chapel doesn't have cockroaches.

A Breather

Now that it's summer, my days are filling up faster than Scarlett O'Hara's dance card. How does that happen?

It's my fault. I wonder if it's too late to learn to say "no."

I'm not the only one who sometimes feels my email owns me, or who occasionally needs to remind myself I'm in charge of my career and not the other way around.

Let's share some life tips today. Tell us what you do to whip your world into shape when it starts threatening to whip you.

Zen Monday: #104

Well, how 'bout that? It's Zen Monday all over again, the day you experience the photo and give us your thoughts rather than me telling you what I think the photo's about. There's no competition, no right or wrong. We're here to have fun.

I look for a photo worth contemplating or, failing that, something odd or silly. And unless I absolutely must say something I stay out of the comments box to avoid influencing the discussion. Because sometimes it's a little too close to home.

Honoring the Best in Business

Last Friday I attended the 11th Annual Women in Business Legislative Update and Awards Luncheon--not my normal milieu, as I work in the arts. But if you've been following Pasadena Daily Photo you may remember I attended a Business Boot Camp at the Women's City Club of Pasadena. An artist has to be a business person after all.

Business Boot Camp was created by CPA and Financial Planner Donna Chaney, pictured at left. At Boot Camp, women participated in bi-weekly workshops led by a variety of business leaders from bankers to entrepreneurs to marketers, and even ourselves when we had skills to share. We got so much out of it a few of us decided to nominate Donna for this year's Empowerment Award, and she got it!

Donna's unique idea, and her dedication to making the experience available, empowered many local women to start a new business, enhance an existing business or bring more viable practices to our work. Donna deserves her award and many of her Boot Campers were there to cheer when she received it.

With Donna is Tamika Farr, Executive Director of the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley, who was honored as an Outstanding Non-Profit Executive Director. Under Ms. Farr's direction, the YWCA has expanded and increased by 20% the number of community members it serves, increased community partnerships by 50% and procured new program funding resources. I haven't actually met Tamika. She and Donna were talking, I took the photo then she disappeared. I think she likes me.

The luncheon was presented by State Senate District 21, State Assembly District 43 and State Assembly District 44 and hosted by Senator Carol Liu and Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, both of whom welcomed the huge crowd with brief speeches. I think they knew the main attraction was the awards.

25 outstanding businesswomen were honored, and it was inspiring to cheer them on and witness their triumph. One woman can do many things--build a business, build a family and/or build a skyscraper--and when a woman achieves the heights in her field it makes us all look good.

Pasanita

I had glimpsed this building before I knew what it was. It's set back from Altadena Drive, easy to miss. I admired it's cloister-like structure. And then I sort of forgot about it until I read a fascinating post at Avenue to the Sky. (Check it out. He's even got old newspaper clippings.)

It was once called the Artist's Guild Building and the Pasanita Apartments. It housed a pottery school and a popular dining and dancing venue in the 1920's and 30's, according to blogger Thal Armathura. I tried to find more information about the building online, such as the architect and when it was built, but I struck out. I like the California mission style, though. Very pretty.

It's not clear to me when the structure was altered. The Pasadena Jewish Temple purchased the building in 1942, and somewhere in there the north wing of the building seems to have been either shortened or somewhat drastically remodeled. But for the most part, from what I can tell, the building remains in beautiful condition.

This building is not listed as a historical property in Pasadena. It makes me wonder what else is out there, set back back from the street, easy to miss and almost forgotten.

Summer Entertainment

Summer is finally here. I know because as the day dwindles with the heat, folks show up on our lawn much like they did last summer. It's not exactly the same. The kids are a bit bigger. There are some new ones. Some of the ones from last summer are no longer around. Boz hears their voices and lobbies to go outside to see them. I drop my work and out we go.

Boz is a known person in our neighborhood. He likes everyone, but he's partial to people his size. When I brought out his toothbrush and toothpaste the other evening, his friends gathered around to watch the excitement. This is something people my size don't ordinarily think of as entertainment.

One of the dads took this shot and I love it. It reminds me of a favorite photo from last summer when we sat on the lawn and read stories. I don't know if the kids remember that, but the grown-ups do. Now that was entertainment.

All Smiles

Some of our City Council members had a long night on Monday. Not only did they have a Council meeting that lasted until past midnight, but it was preceded by the swearing in of Pasadena's new Chief of Police, Phillip L. Sanchez.

I have a feeling they preferred the earlier event.

I won't go over the details of Chief Sanchez's career--feel free to click the link and read about him. I'll just tell you the atmosphere in the City Hall courtyard was festive Monday night. As I walked through on my way to the Council chamber, I watched Sanchez float from group to group, lifted by the high spirits around him. Everyone wanted to talk to him. Everyone wanted their picture taken with him. And everyone--everyone--was smiling.

On the second floor balcony I stopped to grab this shot of the Chief posing with a group of very young people--cadets? recruits?--too young to be officers yet, but well trained and excited to be in the man's presence.

A lot of hope greets Chief Sanchez. May he continue to sail on the buoyancy that surrounded him Monday night.

Update from Janet Pope Givens, Public Information Officer of the Pasadena Police Department:
"Today’s photo in the City Hall courtyard is with Pasadena Police Explorer Post 19. Indeed, too young to be officers, but very enthusiastic learners and workers. We have a total of 32 of these young people who attend an academy, and after graduating, volunteer and continue police tactical and operational training. They work hard and they play hard. Our lobby has a case of numerous trophies they’ve won over the years in interagency competitions. But in between the training and the working they, along with their police advisors, go on lots of group trips for enrichment, education and fun!"

Thanks to Ann Erdman, Pasadena PIO, for the Explorer link.

Be You

When you're you, there's no competition.

Happy birthday to my wonderful father-in-law, Sandy.

And happy Fete Nationale to mes amies Francais.
(I apologize for Blogger's undiplomatic behavior. It refuses to allow me a circonflexe or a cedille.)

The City Council Meeting Was...

...mixed.

The Council was divided on some things, although thankfully they all saw the wisdom of not building a soccer field in a lake.

The other Hahamongna soccer field, however, may still go forward even though not one single person advocated for it at the meeting.

I could write miles and miles of compelling arguments against building that other field (it's called Field #2 in the Hahamongna Watershed Park Master Plan). The City Council heard them all.

Because the meeting went on until after midnight, because I'm posting late, because I have to get up early, because I have a long day today, I won't write all those arguments here now. Bellis, Roberta (Pasadena Latina), Gina (Mendolonium) and Pasadena Adjacent were there last night and I hope they'll add to today's discussion. I hope you will, too.

Zen Monday: #103

Once again it's Zen Monday, the day you experience the photo and give us your thoughts rather than me telling you what I think the photo's about. There's no competition, no right or wrong. We're here to have fun.

I look for a photo worth contemplating or, failing that, something odd or silly. And unless I absolutely must say something I stay out of the comments box to avoid influencing the discussion. I don't want you thinking I'm into mind control or anything.

An Ocean

When I moved to Hollywood I imagined life in the fast lane: you know, I'd be a movie star and date incredibly rich men. I'd live in Beverly Hills where my neighbors would be as fabulous as I was. When I wasn't working on my next Oscar-winning film I'd summer on exclusive islands in the south Pacific, sun myself on white sand beaches and dip my toes in warm ocean waters.

I pictured all kinds of wild stuff. I didn't picture this.

Yesterday's exclusive island was a back yard, where we dipped our toes in an ocean of green grass. The kids played in a rented bounce house while the adults shared ample potluck food and drink, and talked of the usual things: work, home, kids, life.

I don't suppose cave people had a bounce house, but I imagine them squatting around the fire, sated after a meal, watching the kids play like cubs while they talked of the usual things: the hunt, the cave, kids, life.

It's deeply satisfying to be a part of this turning of the Earth, this slow twist of the spiral arm of the Milky Way, though this wasn't at all what I pictured. It's better. And my neighbors are even more fabulous than I could have imagined.